Review: Scrooge at Shadowbox Live

Thursday

Dec 8, 2011 at 12:01 AMDec 13, 2011 at 6:46 PM

First published in 1843, "A Christmas Carol" has probably been adapted hundreds of times, from movies to radio plays to a Marcel Marceau mime production. Even the Muppets have made a pretty spectacular version.

First published in 1843, "A Christmas Carol" has probably been adapted hundreds of times, from movies to radio plays to a Marcel Marceau mime production. Even the Muppets have made a pretty spectacular version.

Based on a stage musical version, Shadowbox Live's "Scrooge" doesn't quite match the height of the Muppets, but the group has certainly imbued the show with its unique style to create a family-friendly winner.

The story will certainly be familiar, even though the musical's setting has been changed from Dickensian London to contemporary America. There are a handful of gender changes as well - Scrooge's dependable clerk has become Barbara Cratchit (Leah Haviland) and Tiny Tim has now become Tina (Isabel Machado), to name two - that give more of the Shadowbox ladies a chance to shine.

Tom Cardinal does an exceptional job as Ebenezer Scrooge, still beginning his emotional journey as the same nasty skinflint as always, and singing and dancing his way to redemption.

Among the supporting cast, the production's strongest performance belongs to Robbie Nance as the Ghost of Christmas Present. Using a bit of his Keith Richards role from "Holiday Hoopla XX," Nance's Ghost is infectiously joyful, with just a touch of haughty delight.

Alternating between the narrative and rock-infused holiday songs, the production does feel a little long. Still, the show is a worthwhile introduction for a new generation of Shadowbox fans.